Canadian connection shines for Whitecaps FC

Vancouver Whitecaps FC are a club dedicated to developing Canadian talent for the future. On Wednesday night, they showed they already have some.

With Canadian national team head coach Stephen Hart in attendance, two Canucks came through in the clutch for the ‘Caps, as they downed the Montreal Impact 1-0 in the first leg of the semifinals of the 2011 Nutrilite Canadian Championship (NCC) on the road at Stade Saputo.

The goal came off of a diving header from Vancouver native Terry Dunfield after a fine cross from two-time Canadian U-17 Player of the Year Russell Teibert.

“Russell put in a couple of good crosses in the first half and, unfortunately, no one was able to get on the end of them,” said Dunfield after the match. “I just took a chance in the box and was able to get on the end of a good ball from young Russell for a great Canadian goal.”

Dunfield played the match despite suffering a broken nose last weekend against FC Dallas, toughing it out like any good Canadian would, and fearlessly using his noggin to score the game winner.

“The nose is still a little bit sore, but if it did [hit my nose], I think it would have been worth it,” said Dunfield.

Teibert returned to the field for the first time since leaving after the second game of the season to play with the Canadian U-20 national team. The young winger was dangerous all night and again impressed head coach Teitur Thordarson with his performance.

“He has been quite fantastic in games he’s played,” said Thordarson of Teibert. “We’re careful with him, but now he’s back and he’s maturing as a player. Today, he was great.”

The performance of Teibert in this match is especially pleasing to Canadian soccer fans, as the country looks to improve its national team pool through the increased level of competition brought not only through MLS, but also through the NCC.

“I think one of the important things about this cup is to develop Canadian players,” said Dunfield.

The ‘Caps have little time to savour this result, as they travel to Ohio on Thursday to face Columbus Crew on Saturday in MLS action.